Robert Downey Jr. has been cast as iconic comic book villain Doctor Victor von Doom in the upcoming Marvel’s Avengers films.

The 59-year-old actor previously played the role of billionaire inventor Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man, in the hugely successful Marvel Cinematic Universe films. However, the character disappeared from the scene in the 2019 blockbuster Avengers: Endgame.

Fans were shocked to learn on Saturday that the actor is returning to the franchise, but will now play a villain.

Robert’s casting was announced during Marvel’s presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, with fans cheering as he was revealed as the new villain.

Dressed in a green suit, the actor cheerfully declared, “New mask. Same job. What did I tell you? I like playing complicated characters.”

He is expected to play the supervillain in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, hitting theaters on May 1, 2026 and May 7, 2027, respectively.

Oscar-winning star Robert previously played Iron Man in no fewer than 10 Marvel films, starting with 2008’s Iron Man.

He reprised the role in two sequels and also made a brief appearance in the 2008 film The Incredible Hulk.

He starred in The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. He also appeared in Captain America: Civil War and Spider-Man: Homecoming.